63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Cape Coral wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Cape Coral wins 1–2 overall (66/100)
💰 Cape Coral is more affordable
💼 Cape Coral has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Cape Coral — The Verdict
Cape Coral scores 66.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 14 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $316/month — that's $3,792 per year.
🌬️
Cape Coral has cleaner air with an AQI 38 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 14 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$302,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,630
Median Income
$71,673
$72,474
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 1% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
22 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Cape Coral wins on air quality with an AQI 38 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
24
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 14 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Cape Coral: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Cape Coral cheaper to live in?
Cape Coral is more affordable overall. Home prices are $2,100 lower in Cape Coral. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,630 in Cape Coral.
Does Chicago or Cape Coral have better weather?
Cape Coral scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Cape Coral better for finding a job?
Cape Coral currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Cape Coral. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $72,474 in Cape Coral.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Cape Coral?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 24 in Cape Coral. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Cape Coral.
Should I move from Chicago to Cape Coral?
Based on our data, Cape Coral scores 66.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Chicago is more affordable, while Cape Coral has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Cape Coral?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.